Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1225 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Hitachi
• Model: KM12VC
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 12.00" h x 4.00" w x 4.00" l, 10.01 pounds

Features

• Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets
• 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm)
• Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments
• Includes plunge and fixed base router; 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks, template guide adaptor, centering gauge, sub-base plate, 3 wrenches
• 5-year warranty

Amazon.com
REVIEW:

The KM12VC delivers smooth results with power and precision.

Plunge and fixed base attachments detach with a simple release clamp facilitating quick tool-free changes.

Hitachi's KM12VC: an Ideal Router for Woodworkers and Carpenters

This 1/2-inch router kit from Hitachi is built to handle all the precise groove cutting, chamfering, trimming, shaping and pattern cutting that a detail-oriented professional requires. Tough, powerful, and ready to work, the KM12VC comes with both plunge and fixed base attachments. These bases attach easily to the motor and detach with a simple release clamp for quick, tool-free changes that keep workflow interruptions to a minimum.

Ergonomically placed handles and easy-to-use depth dial ensure control and accuracy.

The 11 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor routs clean lines through all types of wood with control and precision. This powerful motor has the lowest noise level in its class (only 80 dB), and less noise means less vibration -- not to mention a more pleasant working environment.

The KM12VC also features a steady, secure electronic speed control to maintain constant RPM even as the workload varies, and a durable nickel-plating to help guarantee smooth cutting depth adjustment and a permanent resistance to scratches and stains. Packed with high-end convenience features and presented in a sleek, aggressively ergonomic design, this set offers modern style and advanced technology in one exceptional kit.

Key Technical Specs:

• Motor: 2-1/4 (peak) horsepower, nickel-plated
• Motor clamp: 2-stage lever
• Bases: fixed and plunge
• Amps: 11
• No-load noise level: 79.5 dB
• Max Collet Capacity: 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch
• No-load Speed: 8000 - 24,000
• Plunge Stroke: 2.6 inches

What's in the Box
Hitachi’s KM12VC comes complete with motor, fixed base, plunge base, 1/2 and 1/4-inch collet chucks, 10mm, 16mm and 23mm wrench wrenches, a 4mm hex bar wrench, seven template guides, template guide adapter, lock nut, centering gauge, sub base plate, 10 hex socket bolts, and a carrying case.

Warranty
Hitachi warrants this kit to be free from defect in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the original purchase date. (Warranty extends to original purchaser.)

Hitachi Power Tools
In 1994, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Hitachi Koki U.S.A. carries an extensive line of professional grade tools and accessories for residential construction, commercial construction, tradesman and do-it-yourselfers. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with satellite offices in Valencia CA and Toronto ONT, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. supplies nearly 4000 retail locations, both independent and home center, and supports over 1000 authorized service centers. Many Hitachi tools are designed and offered for use only in North America. With dozens of new models already in development, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. enters the 21st century continuing to offer the highest level of professional power tools available.

BULLETS: 1. Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets 2. 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm) 3. Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments 4. Includes motor, bases, collets, 4 wrenches, 7 template guides and adapter, centering gauge, sub base plate, 10 hex socket bolts, lock nut, case 5. Fixed base weighs 7.3 pounds; plunge base weighs 9.9 pounds; kit weighs 22.8 pounds shipped; 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty

From the Manufacturer
The all new 2 1/4 hp router from Hitachi combine a sweet design with Hitachi's unmatched electronic feedback router motor. The KM12VC and M12VC routers are powered by an 11 Amp variable speed motors with a RPM range of 8,000 to 24,000 and Hitachi's electronic feedback system which allows the bit to maintain the set RPM throughout all cuts. This increases cut performance and reduces unwanted tear out. Both 1/2" and 1/4" bits can be used in this tool along with many templates and guides. The easy to use fixed base dials up and down along heavy duty grooves while the scale ring reads the exact depth of cut. The KM12VC is the kit version and this tool comes with both the fixed and plunge base. M12VC includes fixed base only.

Customer Reviews

Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable
I played around with a bunch of routers and router combo packs before settling on this one. I played with the Bosch, Porter Cable, Dewalt, Milwalkee, and Makita, but none of them felt so solid in my hand or ergonically precise as the Hitachi.

Getting it out and using it (a lot already) has only confirmed my decision. This is my first router to own, but I have used and fidgeted with a number of them. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

I really like the smooth feel of the locks on these, and the precision with which you can set them. The depth stop on the plunge base has a great design and the spring is firm enough to force you to make a smooth entry, rather than the motor 'falling' into the workpiece.

The motor is a work of art. It is so smooth and quiet compared to many routers. As sound is a product of vibration, I tend to think that a router that is quiet and powerful at the same time is going to be more precise and smooth than a loud and powerful one. It's true that you have to use 2 wrenches to loosen the collet, but I feel more confident in its durability than a locking collet (as noted by another reviewer).

I really think this the best 2 1/4 HP router combo on the market. Yes, even better than the old vanguards like Porter Cable and Bosch. It doesn't hurt that it is also a bit cheaper than most.

Now if Hitachi would make a D-handle and include the edge guide in the package, then it truly would be the perfect router. But even without those, I still highly recommend this router, whether you buy it with the combo or just the fixed base.

Impressive quality right out of the case
The first thing that I noticed about this router is how solid it is. The motor is surprisingly hefty for its size. I love the ease at which I can switch from the fixed base to the plunge base. The soft start is smooth and yet powerful. One of the things that made me decide on this Hitachi was the fact that I was constantly seeing it being used in the background of woodworking magazine article photos as well as on the covers and in advertisements for different products related to routers. The base locks are a breeze to use, they hold tight and are easily adjustable. I would have been satistied had I paid even more for it regardless of the free palm sander which is also a fine piece of equipment. It is true that it takes two wrenches to loosen the Collette but that is a give and take situation. Locking colletes are convenient but all that extra engineering in the motor housing just isn't necessary and I feel that it would tend to detract from the solid feel and quality of the motor. The router maintains it's RPM under a considerable load. I love this machine and would highly recommend it!

Almost Perfect
This is a great router set and there is nothing at this quality level which approaches this price. I have only used the router so far on a couple of projects, using both the fixed base and the plunge base, and the router performed very predictably. That is about the highest compliment that I can give, that it acted 'very predictably'. Whenever working with power tools, especially because of their potential to do serious bodily injury, you always want to feel like your tools are working as you expect them to. This instills confidence and keeps your work environment safe.

The Hitachi router has a very smooth startup, quickly comes to speed, and is quite stable and suprisingly quiet in operation. So far from my limited use of the product it appears to have the power to plow through larger pieces of wood when using sizeable bits (in excess of 1") without straining the motor or losing speed. The electronic speed control works well and this is probably the quietest router I've ever used. So far I've been quite happy with the performance.

The one aspect that I think keeps this from being a five star router is the need to use two wrenches to change bits. Although it is not really difficult to change bits with these wrenches it can be awkward, and for an advanced power tool it seems like this aspect of it is a bit rudimentary. I would have preferred to see a more sophisticated mechanism in place.

So far everything else is great. The bases can be swapped out with each other in a matter of seconds and the depth settings and plunge stop are easy to set. Overall I am very pleased and look forward to many years of reliable use.